His name doesn't show up on the scoresheet. He wasn't one of the three stars. But Blackhawks winger Andrew Ladd played a helluva game Thursday night, helping the team to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Calgary Flames in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.
Martin Havlat is going to draw all the headlines, and rightfully so. Havlat netted the game-tying goal at 14:27 of the third period to force the overtime. And he won it 12 seconds into the extra session.
But look at the celebration photo at left and see who is standing right in front of the net. That's Ladd. On the game-winning goal, Dave Bolland skated the puck over the blue line. Ladd was directly to Bolland's right, and he made the smart play: He drove to the front of the net and took the Calgary defenseman with him.
That opened up the space for Havlat to receive a pass from Bolland and put one past Calgary goalie Miikka Kiprusoff for the winner.
That was an outstanding play by all three members of that forward line: Bolland made the pass. Ladd drove the net and screened the goalie. Havlat executed the shot.
Havlat and Bolland will show up on the scoresheet. But don't forget to give Ladd his credit as well.
Was that goaltending interference? I know a Red Wings fan was talking about that at Motown Sports.
It sure looked like from watching the highlights and in that pic.
Don't think so. Good goal.
I decided to go take a look at that final play on the NHL Network's On the Fly show. I specifically wanted to see how that goal unfolded.
There should have been a penalty called, which was the overtime goal. From what I saw, I saw Ladd's behind (I can go use colorful words, but this is the best I can do) pushing Kiprusoff. First of all, Ladd was in the crease. Second of all, you can not go push an opposing goaltender in the net. That itself should have been a penalty. Camera angles don't lie, and it indicated Kiprusoff was pushed by Ladd last night. I recalled watching the Devils got penalties called last year for the same exact thing against the Rangers. Heck the Wild got screwed in the same plays last year against Colorado so I am going to be outspoken here.
There should have been more than 12 seconds for overtime last night.
The Calgary defenseman, Jordan Leopold, initiated the contact. He shoved Ladd, who bumped into Kiprusoff. That's not a penalty on Ladd.
I'm sure you're going to keep crying about it, though. Let me prepare some warm milk for you. Would you like a blankie as well?
It does not matter who intitated the contact. It's Ladd's job to know that he is not supposed to be in the crease or push a goaltender. Sorry, but I have seen teams get screwed or get penalties for the same exact play. Last year, I saw the Wild get screwed often by the refs with the same exact play against Colorado so you knew I was going to come out firing today to the point I "trolled" on several Chicago sports boards (Palehosed.com and IlliniLoyalty.com) to make my point.
Once again, your final score: Blackhawks 3, Flames 2!!!!!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And now, the Flames even the series at 2 after a thrilling 6-4 victory in Game 4 in front of the C of Red manaics last night.
Last night was a great game. I thought both teams showed guts, determination, perserverance, and dedication in last night's game. You had great saves, great scoring, great fights, and all. This is what hockey is all about. For a hockey purist, causal hockey fan (like me), or a fan learning the sport, that was the game for everyone.
I am not surprised at what's going on. I liked the Flames before the series, during the series, and now I like them even more after this game. I felt they were the better team before, during, and now.
If the Hawks want to be taken seriously as Cup Contenders, they should have won at least one in Calgary.
The way I look at it, Chicago is in trouble. Khabibulin has showed me nothing in this series, and the Hawks defense is like Swiss Cheese with melted onions as Calgary has threw many high shots. That's not a good sign for the Hawks.
The Hawks need to start playing better because I haven't like what I saw in all four games. Sure, they got two wins out of it, but at some point, a team with championship aspirations need to stop giving their counterpart chances to win.
In your world, Chicago is always "in trouble."
Nothing original here.
Khabibulin with 43 saves in the clinching game.
Has he still shown you nothing?